/* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> Betty L. Erickson, 82, formerly of Steamboat Springs, CO, died on July 28, 2009 in Fort Collins, CO. She was born Elizabeth Louise Larson on July 9, 1927 in Lewistown, Montana, the only child of Elmer and Beryl Larson. Betty moved to Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, the hometown of her parents, when she was nine years old. She graduated from Chickasha High School in 1945, and attended Oklahoma State University, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Interior Architecture in 1949 and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Betty met Everett "Eric" Erickson on the campus of OSU. They were married on September 5, 1949 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and then settled in Ponca City, OK where their sons Michael and Jon were born. The Ericksons were both employed by Continental Oil Company (Conoco), Betty as a draftsperson in the Electronics Lab and Eric as a geophysicist. They were founding members of St. Paul's Methodist Church. By 1963, Betty had earned her ASID credential (American Society of Interior Designers) and opened "Erickson Interiors" from their home. In 1969, the Ericksons followed their love for the mountains and moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. They settled in Strawberry Park, where Eric built his custom woodworking shop and a design studio for Betty. In 1973, they opened "Ericksons" at 729 Oak Street, a home furnishings and interior design store. People from all around the world made a point to stop by the store while visiting Steamboat. Many homes and businesses in the Yampa Valley were beautifully decorated with Betty's keen eye for texture and color, and Eric's artfully handcrafted wood furnishings. After Eric's death in 1996, Betty continued to enjoy their Strawberry Park property, gardening, and her faithful collie-dog, Larson. She was a member of PEO, Chapter X and United Methodist Church. Due to health reasons, Betty moved to Fort Collins in 2007 to be near her son Jon, his wife Diane and her grandson, Scott. Betty enjoyed being closer to her family, and making many new friends at Ridgen Farm Senior Apartments. Betty is also survived by her son Michael and his wife, Cindy, of Wallowa, Oregon. The Erickson families will be hosting an Open House in Betty's memory at the family property in Strawberry Park on Friday August 7th from 5-7pm. Friends are warmly invited to come by to share your memories and to celebrate the lives of Betty and Eric. A private family gathering will be held to distribute their ashes together in their beloved Colorado mountains. Memorial contributions in Betty's memory may be made to United Methodist Church, PO Box 773748, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477.